For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
